talking about computers and design
by Ralph Grabowski

Feb 02, 2004

TIP: AutoCAD LT - Batch Plotting

Q: We are currently using AutoCAD 2000i LT. I want to be able to "Batch Plot" to an Oce A0 plotter. I receive several hundred e-mailed drawing a week, and want to speed up the process of printing.
- AW

A: There are several ways of doing this.

1. Set up LT for spooled (or batched) plotting. Search LT's help file for "batch file plot spooling".
2. Use a third-party program that reads and prints .dwg files. You may want to check with Oce whether they can suggest such software.
3. Get full-priced AutoCAD, which as a separate application for plotting drawings: BatchPlot.exe

Explains Autodesk's help file: "With AutoSpool, you can send a plot file to an assigned device for printing while you continue working."

Option 1, setting up LT for batch plotting, doesn't explain how to "batch" plot. Only info given is for setting up Autospool for a single dwg. The attempt here is to avoid having to open (and print) dwgs one at a time when there are many to plot.
* Is it possible to use Autospool for multible dwgs?
* How can a script be written to make a plot file for all dwgs in a specific folder so it can be used with Autospool?
I'm looking to batch plot without asking my employer to spend more money for this option (because they won't). I'm also trying to save time by not having to rewrite scripts each time I have a different series of dwgs to plot.
Thx for your help.

i want to plot the drawings with respect to the roll loaded in the plotter,
so, to suit the roller i have to set my drawings based on sizes, to be printed with minimum wastage of paper and to save my time. can u suggest any software and let me know how to create a batch plot